Leader’s Stark Message Over Council Shake-Up Plan

The Leader of Harborough District Council says there is ‘no question’ the authority will allow any part of its area to be absorbed into Leicester City.

Cllr Phil Knowles has made the comment as talks continue about the potential re-organisation of local government:

Cllr Phil Knowles

One proposal would see the borders of the city extended into the county and likely take-in some areas currently served by HDC.

Over 4,300 people have signed a petition opposing the idea over fears of increased council tax and more housing developments.

There is also concern plans are being discussed without any consultation with residents.

Leicestershire County Council is leading the drive for change, following announcements by the Government to create more unitary authorities, which would be granted additional powers and potentially extra cash.

It is backing the creation of a single unitary authority for the whole of Leicestershire and another for the city, saying extending Leicester’s borders is required in order for the City Council to be economically sustainable and to meet the Government’s requirements of housing growth.

The proposal would mean the abolition of Harborough District Council and the county’s other district and borough councils and lead to the postponement of local elections due to take place in May.

Cllr Knowles has branded any such move ‘an abuse of local democracy’:

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is also opposing the shake-up and a petition he launched demanding the elections take place as normal has now attracted over 1,000 signatures.

Leicestershire County Council says all councils in two tier areas and neighbouring unitary councils, in this case, Leicester and Rutland, are being invited to submit reorganisation proposals for a new unitary structure.

It adds there is an expectation that reorganisation into large councils will produce significant financial savings to reinvest in services and the Government refers to a two tier premium now being paid for by Council Taxpayers. for two tier local government.